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Song G, Sclocco R, Sharma A, Guerrero-López I, Kuo B. Electroceuticals and Magnetoceuticals in Gastroenterology. Biomolecules 2024; 14:760. [PMID: 39062474 PMCID: PMC11275046 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the realm of gastroenterology, the inadequacy of current medical treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coupled with their potential side effects, necessitates novel therapeutic approaches. Neuromodulation, targeting the nervous system's control of GI functions, emerges as a promising alternative. This review explores the promising effects of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), magnetic neuromodulation, and acupuncture in managing these challenging conditions. VNS offers targeted modulation of GI motility and inflammation, presenting a potential solution for patients not fully relieved from traditional medications. Magnetic neuromodulation, through non-invasive means, aims to enhance neurophysiological processes, showing promise in improving GI function and reducing inflammation. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture, grounded in traditional medicine yet validated by modern science, exert comprehensive effects on GI physiology via neuro-immune-endocrine mechanisms, offering relief from motility and inflammatory symptoms. This review highlights the need for further research to refine these interventions, emphasizing their prospective role in advancing patient-specific management strategies for GI motility disorders and IBD, thus paving the way for a new therapeutic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengqing Song
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
| | - Roberta Sclocco
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Amol Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Ingrid Guerrero-López
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, 08500 Vic, Spain;
| | - Braden Kuo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Gao H, Lu L, Li L, Yin Z, Ruan W, Zou Y, Li H, Zhou Y, Li X, Wang Y, Song J, Chen W, Wang J. Electroacupuncture treatment improves postoperative ileus by inhibiting the Th1 cell-mediated inflammatory response through the vagus nerve. Acupunct Med 2024:9645284241248466. [PMID: 38813841 DOI: 10.1177/09645284241248466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to improve intestinal motility in mice with postoperative ileus (POI). Previous studies, however, have yielded heterogeneous results regarding the effect of EA on POI. METHODS Herein, a POI mouse model was constructed by intestinal manipulation. To evaluate the effect of EA treatment on colonic transit, the levels of inflammatory markers (macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); immune cell infiltration was detected by immunohistochemical staining of myeloperoxidase (MPO), ectodysplasin (ED)-1 and ED-2, and the percentage of CD4+ interferon (IFN)-γ+ Th1 cells and IFN-γ secretion levels were determined. Activated Th1 cells and pentoxifylline, a cell differentiation inhibitor, were used to assess the role of Th1 cells in EA treatment of POI. Neostigmine administration and unilateral vagotomy were performed to confirm whether the effects of EA treatment on Th1 cells were mediated by the vagus nerve (VN). RESULTS The results revealed that EA treatment at ST36 improved POI, as indicated by a decreased level of inflammatory-related markers and immune cell infiltration and shortened colonic transit time. The activated Th1 cells abolished the effects of EA treatment on POI. The effects of EA treatment on POI were enhanced by stimulation of the VN along with a decreased level of Th1 cells, but these effects were abolished by vagotomy along with an increased percentage of Th1 cells; this result indicates that the VN mediates the role of Th1 cells in the effects of EA treatment of POI. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that the effects of EA treatment of POI were mainly mediated by Th1 cells through the stimulation of the VN and inhibition of the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyue Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Ruan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinghua Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangang Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhang S, Zhang C, Yan H, Yang L, Shi N, Liu C, Chen Y. Sacral Nerve Stimulation Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation Through Regulating the Autophagy of Macrophages and Activating the Inflammasome Mediated by a Cholinergic Antiinflammatory Pathway in Colitis Rats. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:302-311. [PMID: 36740464 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic progressive intestinal inflammation. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) ameliorates colon inflammation caused by IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiinflammatory benefits of SNS in colitis rats and explore the roles of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway, macrophage autophagy, and nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory bodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were divided into four groups: healthy control, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), DSS + sham-SNS, and DSS + SNS groups. An electrode was surgically placed in the right sacral nerve (S3) for stimulation. The disease activity index (DAI) score was recorded each day, and the degree of inflammatory injury was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and autophagy- and NLRP3-related factors were assessed using immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. RESULTS The DSS group showed a higher DAI score, colon shortening, upregulated proinflammatory action, and colon damage, and the DSS + SNS group showed significantly improved symptoms. The number of α7nAChR+ cells and the expression level of autophagy decreased in the DSS group but increased in the DSS + SNS group. Conversely, the DSS group showed increased activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies, whereas the DSS + SNS group showed decreased activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies. CONCLUSION In this study, SNS ameliorated colon inflammation by enhancing macrophage autophagy and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies, which may be related to the opening of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Chengxia Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
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Ten Hove AS, Mallesh S, Zafeiropoulou K, de Kleer JWM, van Hamersveld PHP, Welting O, Hakvoort TBM, Wehner S, Seppen J, de Jonge WJ. Sympathetic activity regulates epithelial proliferation and wound healing via adrenergic receptor α 2A. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17990. [PMID: 37863979 PMCID: PMC10589335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45160-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Innervation of the intestinal mucosa by the sympathetic nervous system is well described but the effects of adrenergic receptor stimulation on the intestinal epithelium remain equivocal. We therefore investigated the effect of sympathetic neuronal activation on intestinal cells in mouse models and organoid cultures, to identify the molecular routes involved. Using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets we show that the α2A isoform is the most abundant adrenergic receptor in small intestinal epithelial cells. Stimulation of this receptor with norepinephrine or a synthetic specific α2A receptor agonist promotes epithelial proliferation and stem cell function, while reducing differentiation in vivo and in intestinal organoids. In an anastomotic healing mouse model, adrenergic receptor α2A stimulation resulted in improved anastomotic healing, while surgical sympathectomy augmented anastomotic leak. Furthermore, stimulation of this receptor led to profound changes in the microbial composition, likely because of altered epithelial antimicrobial peptide secretion. Thus, we established that adrenergic receptor α2A is the molecular delegate of intestinal epithelial sympathetic activity controlling epithelial proliferation, differentiation, and host defense. Therefore, this receptor could serve as a newly identified molecular target to improve mucosal healing in intestinal inflammation and wounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Ten Hove
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Shilpashree Mallesh
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Konstantina Zafeiropoulou
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janna W M de Kleer
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia H P van Hamersveld
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Welting
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theodorus B M Hakvoort
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Wehner
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jurgen Seppen
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J de Jonge
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 69-71, 1105 BK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Zhang RB, Dong LC, Huang Q, Shen Y, Li HY, Yu SG, Wu QF. Matrix metalloproteinases are key targets of acupuncture in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1229-1241. [PMID: 37438919 PMCID: PMC10621479 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231182205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to elucidate the key targets of acupuncture in the colon of ulcerative colitis (UC) mice model using full-length transcriptome sequencing. 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice were treated with or without acupuncture. Intestinal pathology was observed, and full transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed. The results demonstrated that acupuncture treatment reduced the UC symptoms, disease activity index score, and histological colitis score and increased body weight, colon length, and the number of intestinal goblet cells. In addition, acupuncture can also decrease the expression of necrotic biomarker phosphorylates mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudo kinase (p-MLKL). Full-length transcriptome analysis indicated that acupuncture reversed the expression of 987 of the 1918 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 632 of the 1351 downregulated DEGs induced by DSS. DEGs regulated by acupuncture were mainly involved in inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier pathways. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important genes regulated by acupuncture. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction was an important target of acupuncture. In addition, alternative splicing analysis suggested that acupuncture improved signaling pathways related to intestinal permeability, the biological processes of xenobiotics, sulfur compounds, and that monocarboxylic acids are closely associated with MMPs. Overall, our transcriptome analysis results indicate that acupuncture improves intestinal barrier function in UC through negative regulation of MMPs expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qin Huang
- Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Hong-Ying Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Shu-Guang Yu
- Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Qiao-Feng Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
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Bao C, Huang J, Wu H, Ma Y, Zhou H, Chen L, Yang D, Liu H, Shi Y, Lu Y. Moxibustion alleviates depression-like behavior in rats with Crohn's disease by inhibiting the kynurenine pathway metabolism in the gut-brain axis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1019590. [PMID: 36570839 PMCID: PMC9768219 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1019590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Moxibustion is a potential therapy for inflammatory bowel disease-related depression, but its specific mechanism of action is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which moxibustion alleviates depressive behavior in rats with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods The CD rat model was established with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Treatment with moxibustion was applied to Tianshu (ST25, bilateral), Qihai (CV6), and Baihui (GV20) acupoints, and the effect of moxibustion was compared with that of the combination of moxibustion plus indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor, 1-methyltryptophan (1-MT). The effects of moxibustion and moxibustion plus 1-MT combination on colonic inflammation and depressive behavior (assessed by forced swimming test, sucrose preference test, and open field test) were investigated. The changes in IDO1, TNF-α, and IL-1β in rat colon and hippocampus were assessed by Western blot (WB). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence staining, and WB were applied to detect kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites, hippocampal neuronal activity, and microglia activation, respectively. Results Both moxibustion and moxibustion plus 1-MT combination significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation and depressive behavior, downregulated the levels of IDO1 in the colon and hippocampus, and inhibited inflammation-inducing factors IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as the kynurenine/tryptophan (KYN/TRP) ratio of KP metabolites, and upregulated the kynurenic acid (KYNA)/KYN ratio and the KYNA/quinolinic acid (QUIN) ratio in the hippocampus in rats with CD; Hippocampal ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1), c-fos protein expression, activated microglia, and neuronal activation was also significantly reduced by moxibustion and moxibustion plus 1-MT. The addition of 1-MT did not significantly increase the therapeutic effect of moxibustion. Conclusion Moxibustion can improve depressive behavior in rats with CD, which may be related to its regulation of KP metabolism in the gut-brain axis and inhibition of hippocampal microglia activation and neuronal activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Bao
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huangan Wu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueying Ma
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Chen
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Shi
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Yin Shi,
| | - Yuan Lu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yuan Lu,
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Lei W, Zhao C, Sun J, Jin Y, Duan Z. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Intestinal Barrier Destruction in Mice With Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Injury by Activating the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:1122-1133. [PMID: 35300921 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) can attenuate inflammation in different rodent models. However, the therapeutic mechanisms underlying its action in inhibiting intestinal barrier destruction and liver injury in cholestasis mice have not been clarified. This study aimed at investigating whether EA at ST36 could activate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to inhibit intestinal barrier destruction and liver injury in cholestasis mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Hmox1floxp/floxp C57BL/6 mice were randomized and subjected to a sham or bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery. The BDL mice were randomized and treated with, or without (BDL group), sham EA at ST36 (BDL+sham-ST36) or EA at ST36 (BDL+ST36), or received α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT), a specific inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit (α7nAChR), before stimulation (BDL+ST36+α-BGT). These mice, together with a group of intestine-specific heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) knockout (KO) Villin-Cre-HO-1-/- mice, were monitored for their body weights before and 14 days after BDL. The levels of plasma cytokines and liver injury-related alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay, and pathological changes in the intestinal mucosa and liver fibrosis as well as intestinal barrier permeability in individual mice were examined by histology and immunohistochemistry. The levels of α7nAChR, HO-1, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, and NF-κBp65 expression and NF-κBp65 phosphorylation in intestinal tissues were quantified. RESULTS Compared with the sham group, BDL significantly increased the levels of plasma interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α, ALT, and AST and caused intestinal mucosal damages, high permeability, and liver fibrosis in mice, which were remarkably mitigated, except for further increased levels of plasma IL-10 in the BDL+ST36 group of mice. Similarly, EA at ST36 significantly up-regulated α7nAChR and HO-1 expression; mitigated the BDL-decreased ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 expression; and attenuated the BDL-increased NF-κBp65 phosphorylation in intestinal tissues of mice. The therapeutic effects of EA at ST36 were significantly abrogated by pretreatment with α-BGT or HO-1 KO. CONCLUSION EA at ST36 inhibits the BDL-induced intestinal mucosal damage and liver fibrosis by activating the HO-1 cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in intestinal tissues of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lei
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Changcheng Zhao
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiasen Sun
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yanling Jin
- Pathology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhijun Duan
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Oh JE, Kim SN. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture at ST36 Point: A Literature Review in Animal Studies. Front Immunol 2022; 12:813748. [PMID: 35095910 PMCID: PMC8790576 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.813748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
So far, a number of acupuncture studies have shown anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture treatment, mostly known at specific point ST36. However, there is no literature that oversaw the inflammation-regulatory effects of acupuncture in each tissue. Therefore, we investigated how acupuncture at specific acupoint ST36 regulates inflammation and its underlying mechanisms. We searched literatures on PubMed until July 2021 using the keywords “animal, acupuncture, ST36, inflammation, immune,” and 292 literatures were searched. We ultimately selected 69 studies to determine the anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture at ST36 and classified the changes of inflammatory mediators according to target regions. Forty-three studies were included in body fluids, 27 studies in the digestive system, 17 studies in the nervous system, and 30 studies in other tissues or organs. In this review, we found that acupuncture at ST36 has clinical benefits in relieving inflammation through several mechanisms such as vagus nerve activation, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling, macrophage polarization, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. We expect that these data will inform further studies related to ST36 acupuncture on inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Oh
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea
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9
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Electroacupuncture Attenuated Anxiety and Depression-Like Behavior via Inhibition of Hippocampal Inflammatory Response and Metabolic Disorders in TNBS-Induced IBD Rats. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8295580. [PMID: 35087621 PMCID: PMC8789424 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8295580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to explore the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating inflammatory bowel disease- (IBD-) related anxiety and mood disorders. A colitis model was induced in rats with 2, 4, 6-trinitrohydrosulfonic acid (TNBS), followed by ST36 and SP6 targeted therapy by EA or sham EA treatment. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field test (OFT) were performed to assess the state of anxiety and depression-like behavior. Tests were carried out by 16S rDNA amplification sequence, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analyses detailed metabolic alterations and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in rats' hippocampal region. Furthermore, the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and gut microbiome was assessed. As a result of treatment, EA significantly improved in the behavioral tests and altered the composition of the gut microbiome through a significant increase in the density of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers mainly including Ruminococcaceae, Phascolarctobacterium, and Akkermansiaceae. EA upregulated the metabolites of the hippocampus mainly containing l-glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as ZO-1 expression. Whereas the treatment blocked the TLR4/nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways and NLRP3 inflammasomes, along with downregulating the interleukin- (IL-) 1β level. The hyperactivity of the HPA axis was also diminished. In conclusion, EA at ST36 and SP6 attenuated anxiety and depression-like behavior in colitis model rats through their effects on the gut microbiome by modulating the hippocampal inflammatory response and metabolic disorders, as well as the HPA axis. This study provides evidence for clinical application of EA to serve as an adjunctive treatment for IBD-related anxiety and depression.
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Hu P, Sun K, Li H, Qi X, Gong J, Zhang Y, Xu L, Lin M, Fan Y, Chen JDZ. Transcutaneous Electrical Acustimulation Improved the Quality of Life in Patients With Diarrhea-Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Neuromodulation 2021; 25:1165-1172. [PMID: 35088760 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) experience abdominal pain and reduced quality of life and need effective treatments. This study aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA) at two acupuncture points, LI4 and ST36, could improve pain and quality of life of patients with IBS-D. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 42 patients with IBS-D who met the Rome IV criteria were randomly divided into two groups: TEA and sham-TEA. TEA was performed through acupoints Hegu (LI4) and Zusanli (ST36) for one hour twice daily for one month, using previously established parameters; sham-TEA was delivered in the same way as TEA but without actual electrical current stimulation. RESULTS The sham-TEA group showed a significantly higher rate of drop-out than the TEA group (29% vs 0%, p = 0.021). TEA, but not sham-TEA, significantly improved quality of life (before: 78.55 ± 9.62, after: 85.97 ± 9.49, p < 0.0001). Both TEA and sham-TEA reduced abdominal pain; however, TEA was more potent than sham-TEA (p = 0.014). The IBS symptom severity scale score was reduced by both TEA and sham-TEA. Autonomic functions assessed by plasma norepinephrine and pancreatic polypeptide were not altered with TEA, nor was interleukin 10 or interleukin 6. CONCLUSIONS TEA at LI4 and ST36 improves abdominal pain and quality of life of patients with IBS-D, probably mediated by mechanisms other than autonomic function or inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hu
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Keke Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xufei Qi
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiande Gong
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengying Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihong Fan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiande D Z Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Manual Acupuncture at ST37 Modulates TRPV1 in Rats with Acute Visceral Hyperalgesia via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5561999. [PMID: 34646326 PMCID: PMC8505093 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5561999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture can significantly ameliorate inflammatory pain in acute visceral hyperalgesia. Hyperalgesia is attenuated by inflammatory mediators that activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and TRPV1 is regulated by nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. However, it is unknown whether NGF-induced PI3K/Akt pathway is associated with manual acupuncture (MA). In this study, the effect and mechanism of MA at Shangjuxu (ST37) and Quchi (LI11) were examined using an acetic acid-induced rat model with visceral hyperalgesia. We demonstrated that MA at ST37 significantly decreased abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores, proinflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and TRPV1 protein and mRNA expression in rats with acute visceral hyperalgesia compared with the untreated controls, while MA at LI11 showed no effect. The effects of MA at ST37 were reversed after treatment with the PI3K agonist IGF-1 30 min before MA. In rats with visceral hyperalgesia, the upregulation of NGF, tropomyosin-receptor-kinase A (TrkA), PI3K, and phosphorylation-Akt (p-Akt) was decreased by MA at ST37, indicating that TRPV1 regulation via the NGF-induced PI3K/Akt pathway plays a vital role in the effects of MA-mediated amelioration of acute visceral hyperalgesia.
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12
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Stakenborg N, Boeckxstaens GE. Bioelectronics in the brain-gut axis: focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Int Immunol 2021; 33:337-348. [PMID: 33788920 PMCID: PMC8183669 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that intestinal homeostasis is mediated by cross-talk between the nervous system, enteric neurons and immune cells, together forming specialized neuroimmune units at distinct anatomical locations within the gut. In this review, we will particularly discuss how the intrinsic and extrinsic neuronal circuitry regulates macrophage function and phenotype in the gut during homeostasis and aberrant inflammation, such as observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, we will provide an overview of basic and translational IBD research using these neuronal circuits as a novel therapeutic tool. Finally, we will highlight the different challenges ahead to make bioelectronic neuromodulation a standard treatment for intestinal immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Stakenborg
- Center of Intestinal Neuro-immune Interaction, Translational Research Center for GI Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N1 bus 701, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Guy E Boeckxstaens
- Center of Intestinal Neuro-immune Interaction, Translational Research Center for GI Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N1 bus 701, Leuven 3000, Belgium
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13
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Chen Y, Cheng J, Zhang Y, Chen JDZ, Seralu FM. Electroacupuncture at ST36 Relieves Visceral Hypersensitivity via the NGF/TrkA/TRPV1 Peripheral Afferent Pathway in a Rodent Model of Post-Inflammation Rectal Hypersensitivity. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:325-339. [PMID: 33584100 PMCID: PMC7875081 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s285146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 on rectal hypersensitivity and compliance in DSS-treated post-inflammation rats. In addition, we explored the involvement of mast cells-triggered NGF/TrkA/TRPV1 peripheral afferent pathway. Methods Rats were provided water with 5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) for 7 days. Two weeks after the DSS treatment they were subjected to initial and repetitive EA. Different sets of parameters were compared in the initial test and then EA with the selected parameters were performed for 2 weeks. Rectal compliance was assessed by colorectal distension while visceral sensitivity was evaluated by abdominal withdraw reflexes (AWR) and electromyogram (EMG). Masson's trichrome staining was performed to stain collagen and toluidine blue staining was applied to assess the degranulation of mast cells. Nerve growth factor (NGF), tryptase, TrkA and TRPV1 were measured by Western blot or immunofluorescence staining. Results EA at 100 Hz was more effective in improving rectal compliance and visceral hypersensitivity. Daily EA improved visceral hypersensitivity but not rectal compliance. Five weeks after DSS treatment, fibrosis was noted in both sham-EA and EA groups. The expression and activation of mast cells were significantly reduced after the 2-week EA treatment with a concurrent decrease in the expression of colonic NGF/TrkA and TRPV1 in both colon and dorsal root ganglions. Conclusion EA at ST36 with a special set of parameters has no effect on reduced rectal compliance but relieves visceral hypersensitivity via the mast cells-triggered NGF/TrkA/TRPV1 peripheral afferent pathway in DSS-treated post-inflammation rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiafei Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yiling Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiande D Z Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Florin M Seralu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion Regulate Hippocampus Glia and Mitochondria Activation in DSS-Induced Colitis Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:2530253. [PMID: 32047521 PMCID: PMC7003272 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2530253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To study the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion on the hippocampus astrocyte and microglia activation in the ulcerative colitis model and to evaluate the mitochondria activity. Methods 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mice were treated by EA or moxibustion. Intestinal pathological structure was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining; the expression of GFAP or S100b (markers for astrocyte), Iba-1 (a marker for microglia), and Mitofilin (a marker for mitochondria) in hippocampus was detected by immunofluorescence staining or western blot. Results The results demonstrated that both EA and moxibustion could improve the morphology of distal colonic mucosal epithelia in DSS-induced colitis mice. Expression of GFAP in the hippocampus was significantly increased after EA or moxibustion treatment. The effects were further supported by WB results. Meanwhile, expression of mitofilin in the hippocampus CA1 and CA3 regions showed the same trend as that of GFAP. Expression of Iba-1 in the hippocampus showed no significant difference after EA or moxibustion treatment, while the state of microglia changed from resting in control mice to activated state in colitis mice. Conclusion EA and moxibustion were able to modulate the activation of astrocyte, microglial, and mitochondria in the hippocampus area in the colitis model.
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